Music review: Tom Breiding – ‘River, Rails or Road’
Possessing a regional flavoring as well as universal appeal, the latest release by West Virginia native Tom Breiding reveals an engaging, educational and entertaining story about faith, determination, dedication and perseverance.
Breiding’s earthy, honest voice compassionately breathes life into his striking storytelling that is focused on the experiences of working-class heroes and the families that support them.
On the album opener, the singer-songwriter delivers a Dylanesque performance by somberly relaying the story of the horrific attack by the Colorado National Guard and Colorado Fuel and Iron Company camp guards on a group of striking coal miners and their families in 1914, vividly demonstrating the struggle between corporate power and the existing labor movement on “The Women and Children of Ludlow.” Breiding continues to spotlight this tragedy by telling the story of one of the survivors with the moving “Ballad of Mary Petrucci.”
“Can I Talk to the King?” is a soulful blues number about keeping the faith during times of trouble and struggle, while “Pocket Full of Dreams” offers up a charming tale about looking at life through the eyes of a child with grand hopes and boundless dreams and unstoppable enthusiasm. “The House on Music Row” is my personal favorite of the 18 tracks as it describes how the country music industry has dramatically changed from the time when music legends like Hank Williams played the local clubs.
The CD comes with a companion documentary DVD that outlines the story of Breiding growing up in West Virginia and how his surroundings influenced his songwriting.
My grandmother lived only a few yards away from the railroad tracks that cut through our hometown. As a child, I fondly recall watching in amazement the numerous trains that would ramble by the house pulling an endless string of coal cars from local mines without any thought about the people who labored and sacrificed to provide the black, shiny bounty that helped to fuel our nation. As an adult, I now own my grandmother’s home alongside the tracks and watch the passing trains with a greater respect and understanding of the economic and historical significance I am witnessing. Breiding’s 13th album is an absorbing journey that ultimately leads comfortably back home.
Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at crhodes@heraldstandard.com.